| There are, in Protestant weddings, more than a few | | | | involving the sharing of a common object, food, or drink |
| different traditions allowing the bride and groom to | | | | that accomplishes the same effect. Probably the |
| show their families a symbolic representation of their | | | | simplest of these is the Rose Ceremony, in which the |
| union and devotion to each other. The unity candle is | | | | couple might exchange a single rose to show unity. |
| one of those very traditions, steeped in only a few | | | | Other such exchanges include the Garland or Lei |
| decades of history, but incredibly popular in today's | | | | exchanging ceremonies in which Indian or Hawaiian |
| wedding ceremonies. | | | | brides and grooms exchange a ring of flowers to |
| The unity candle's birth wasn't the first, nor the last | | | | symbolize their unity. |
| ceremony to instill in a wedding the gravitas of | | | | Other similar variations include the pouring of wine or |
| commitment. Not only is there a definite focus on the | | | | water into a communal glass, or the simultaneous |
| importance of the candle, by couples as well as candle | | | | tearing of a loaf of bread to be shared. The purpose |
| makers, there's a sure gravitation towards the use of | | | | of all of these is to display the way in which the couple |
| other unity ceremonies both new and old that allow | | | | is giving a part of themselves to complete a new |
| both bride and groom to show their dedication to the | | | | whole. Appropriately, in the unity candle ceremony |
| union. | | | | some couples choose to keep their individual candles |
| The unity candle itself is a fairly elaborate affair. One | | | | burning as a sign of the individuality that they will retain |
| can buy a unity candle from any gift store or bridal | | | | beside the new entity created in their marriage. |
| shop, complete with a brilliantly crafted unity candle and | | | | The unity candle tradition's growth then, is not as |
| often the two lighting candles that the bride and groom | | | | surprising as some might think. The concept of |
| use to light the central flame. A candelabra for carrying | | | | symbolically showing to your friends and relatives how |
| all three is usually also available. Options, including | | | | you will become a new person and join with your |
| engraving of the couple's names on the candle or | | | | spouse in a united marriage is a common procedure. |
| similar keepsake additions make the package perfect | | | | The manner in which it is done is the only way in which |
| for the ceremony. | | | | it varies. |
| There are however, other simpler unity ceremonies | | | | |